In 2010 we started a project in select cities worldwide to take photographs of business interiors. In this pilot, we’ve been taking 360-degree photographs of businesses, with their permission, to highlight the qualities that make their locations stand out. In addition to the photos that business owners can upload directly through Google Places, these photos help potential customers get a better view of the decor, merchandise, food, and more on each business’ Place Page and on Google.com.

We are now excited to bring this pilot program to India, starting with Hyderabad and rolling out to several other cities. The photographs are shot by Google appointed photographers who work directly with the business owner to arrange a time to do the photo shoot. The images will show prospective customers the interiors, decor, merchandise — and all of this will be done at no cost to the business owner. The panoramic photos will appear alongside other still photos on a business’ Place Page and can help potential customers get a better sense of what an establishment has to offer and if they’d like to visit it in person.

If you’d like your business to be considered for a visit from Google’s photographers, you can learn more and express your interest by filling out this form. Right now we’re focusing on businesses like restaurants, cafes, spas, salons, gyms, showrooms, and retail stores, but all are welcome to apply. While we’ll only be able to take panoramic pictures of a portion of those who apply depending on the demand, any business owner around the world can easily upload their own still photographs and videos to their Place Page by logging in to Google Places.